I've never wanted kids, and I love my child-free life. I value my independence more than anything.

Courtesy Monique Lindner

• I've known from a young age that I don't want to have kids.
• I value my independence greatly, and I also want more time to invest in my own health.
• Not having kids has also allowed me to focus on my career, save money, and travel.

I remember the first time I knew that the typical German life wasn't for me. I was on vacation with my family; I must have been 13 or 14. We got to know another family with a girl my age...